NY inspector general faults state fair bidding

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York's inspector general says former officials flouted normal competitive bid procedures for State Fair catering and electronic ticketing contracts, leading to an overhaul of the annual event's management in suburban Syracuse.

Acting State Inspector General Catherine Leahy Scott says Thursday two top officials have been replaced, others have been disciplined and the state Office of General Services has taken over fair procurement.

Scott reports that slack security at the fairgrounds resulted in two employees living and storing things there, with one residing in a racing stable office, keeping exotic pet birds on the site and storing a pickup truck and enough belongings to fill six horse stalls.

The fair, which began in 1841, usually runs for 12 days starting in late.